Best Menopause Supplements and Natural Remedies to Ease Symptoms

There's more than one way to quash those mood swings, hot flushes and libido problems. Apart from HRT, there are many other menopause supplements to help you through the menopause. From simple herbs to complex blends, here's the lowdown on five of the best natural remedies and how they work.

In the simple, single-herb supplement category are plant-based remedies such as black cohosh, sage, and evening primrose oil.

There are also lots of combination menopause supplements available. Combining natural remedies for the menopause brings you more of the benefits, as together they work synergistically, meaning that their combined effect is greater than their effect individually.

If you're going down the natural route for menopause management, another great idea is to eat your way to an easier menopause. You need to eat foods that are rich in phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds which can help balance the body's oestrogen levels.

Diana Green, head nutritionist at Revival explains: 'Their hormone-like action can boost oestrogen levels when they are low, during and after the menopause. Soya contains phytoestrogens in the form of isoflavones, which are particularly beneficial and may help reduce symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Only a moderate amount is needed: 60g tofu or 700ml soya milk will provide the recommended daily intake of around 45g.'

By Jane Murphy

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Healthspan Black Cohosh

Black cohosh

What is it? A traditional herbal medicine from the buttercup family.

What's it for? Black cohosh is used to treat symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, and has also been found to alleviate irritability and restlessness. It's thought the herb works by mimicking oestrogen.

Sage

What is it? Another traditional herbal supplement, from the mint family.

What's it for? A mild phytoestrogen, sage has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flushes and night sweats. It's thought to help restore the body's natural hormonal balance.

Boots Menopause Support Plus

What is it? A multivitamins and mineral food supplement.

What's it for? Specially blended to provide nutritional support during and after the menopause, these capsules include calcium for healthy bones, vitamin C to boost your immunity, vitamin B6 to balance hormonal activity and soya isoflavones for hormonal balance.

Female Balance

What is it? A unique formulation of natural supplements developed by top nutritionist Patrick Holford.

What's it for? Designed to keep hormones in check throughout the menopause, this super-charged supplement contains magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6 and soya isoflavones - all of which help boost oestrogen levels.

Evening Primrose Oil

What is it? A natural supplement derived from the seeds of a wild plant native to North America.

What's it for? Evening primrose provides blocks for building sex hormones. Studies suggest it helps alleviate menopausal mood swings and anxiety. It can also help reduce hormonal bloating and skin problems.